Ethiopia · Trekking

4-Day Simien Mountains Trek to Bwahit Peak from Gondar

4 Days Round trip from Gondar Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 See Gelada baboons along the trail to Sankabar
02 Marvel at the Jinbar River waterfall plunging 500 m into the abyss
03 Enjoy a traditional coffee ceremony in a village hut and learn about local farm life
04 Look for lammergeyer and thick-billed raven around Gich camp
05 Try to spot Walia Ibex from Chennek camp
06 Climb Bwahit, the second-highest peak in the Simien Mountains

Trek the classic Simien Mountains route from Sankabar to Chennek and climb Bwahit Peak, the second-highest summit in the range, with views toward Ras Dejen. Along the way, experience the dramatic escarpments, the Jinbar River waterfall, and the gorgeous shaded landscapes at sunset. This 4-day excursion also offers rich wildlife encounters, including Gelada baboons, Walia Ibex, lammergeyer, and thick-billed raven, as well as a traditional coffee ceremony and insight into local farm life.

Find a large waterfall here, where the Jinbar River plunges 500 m into the abyss.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Budget

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Gondar, Aksum, Ras Dashen, Simien Mountains National Park, Debarq

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

From Gondar to Sankabar Camp

Drive from Gondar to Debark. Obtain a permit from the park headquarters and collect your obligatory scout before continuing to Sankabar (3,250 m ASL) for the first overnight camp.
Begin the trek at Buytras (Simien Lodge).
Walk to the Sankabar campsite and see Gelada baboons on the way.

Day 02

Escarpments, Waterfalls, and Village Life to Gich

Follow the northern escarpment eastward before descending a little into the Kaba Valley.
Climb up before reaching Gich Abyss and continue over a narrow ridge to get a spectacular view of the abyss toward the Simien foothills.
Find a large waterfall here, where the Jinbar River plunges 500 m into the abyss.
Proceed for about two hours and have lunch at the Jinbar River.
Walk through the fields of barley before arriving at the idyllic village of Gich.
Enjoy a traditional coffee ceremony in one of the huts and learn more about local farm life.
Take a short walk to Gich camp, which is an excellent area to look for lammergeyer and thick-billed raven.
Take a short hike up to Kedadit to enjoy the sunset and the gorgeous shaded landscapes.
Return to the camp for dinner.

Day 03

Through Giant Lobelia Fields to Chennek

Stroll through endless fields of Giant Lobelia before reaching the towering cliffs of Imet-Gogo (3,926 m).
Spend some time absorbing the superb views over the mountain valleys below and the strangely shaped domes in the distance.
Descend into the Jinbahir River Valley.
Climb to a summit of 4,070 m and have lunch.
Descend to Chennek for about two hours along a steep trail. From Chennek camp, there are spectacular views in all directions.
Sit down on a bench at the escarpment and try to spot Walia Ibex in the late afternoon or early morning.
Visit the edges of the campsite.

Day 04

Climb Bwahit Peak and Return to Gondar

Climb Bwahit (4,430 m), the second-highest peak in the Simien Mountains, and spot the Walia Ibex (a goat family) in addition to the scenic views of the surroundings.
See the highest mountain peak, Ras-Dejen (4,543 m), and return to Chennek camp.
Drive back to Gondar (4-hour drive).